Southern Butter Beans with Bacon: Irresistibly cheesy, golden perfection.

My First Pot of Butter Beans

I made my first pot of beans when I was twelve. My grandma was sick in bed. I wanted to help. So I tried to cook.

I used too much pepper. My little brother sneezed at the table! I still laugh at that. The beans were still good, though. A simple meal can feel like a big hug.

Why We Start with Bacon

Let me tell you a secret. The bacon is not just for eating. It’s for the flavor it leaves behind. We cook the onion in that tasty bacon grease.

Doesn’t that smell amazing? It makes the whole kitchen feel warm. This step matters because it builds the flavor. Every ingredient has a job to do.

What Are Butter Beans?

You might wonder about these beans. They are big, soft, and creamy. They are not green beans at all. They are a type of lima bean.

Fun fact: In some places, people call them butter beans because they are so smooth and rich. They just melt in your mouth. What do you call them where you live?

The Magic of Simmering

Now, we let the pot simmer. This is the magic part. The beans soak up all the broth and bacon flavor. It takes about an hour.

This slow cooking matters. It turns simple things into something special. Good things take time. What’s your favorite smell from a slow-cooking meal?

A Bowl of Comfort

When you eat these beans, you are eating history. This is a classic Southern dish. Families have shared it for generations.

It reminds me of big family dinners. Everyone talking and passing bowls. This matters because food connects us. It tells our stories. Will you share this recipe with someone you love?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
bacon	6 slices	coarsely chopped
onion	1 small	chopped
frozen butter beans	1 (28-ounce) bag (about 5 cups)
chicken broth	4 cups (32-ounces)
salt	1 teaspoon
black pepper	1/2 teaspoon

My Cozy Butter Beans with Bacon

Oh, this recipe takes me back. My grandpa loved a big pot of butter beans. He said they warmed you up from the inside out. I think he was right. This dish is simple, humble food. But it tastes like a big, cozy hug.

It all starts with that wonderful bacon sizzling in the pan. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It’s the best start to any meal. I like to use a big, heavy pot for this. It makes everything cook so evenly. Let me walk you through it.

Step 1: Grab your big pot and put it on the stove. Toss in your chopped-up bacon. Let it cook on medium heat until it gets nice and crispy. I still laugh at how my dog, Buddy, waits by the stove for a piece. (A hard-learned tip: don’t pour the hot bacon grease down the drain! It can cause big problems later.)

Step 2: Now, carefully pour out most of the bacon grease. Leave just a couple of tablespoons in the pot. That’s your flavor! Add your chopped onion to the grease. Cook them until they look soft and shiny. This part makes the whole kitchen smell so good. What’s your favorite kitchen smell? Share below!

Step 3: Time for the beans! Add your frozen butter beans, the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir. Bring it all to a boil, then turn the heat down low. Let it simmer for about an hour. The beans will get so tender and soak up all that yummy broth.

Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dinner, Sides

Let’s Get Creative with Your Beans!

Once you master the basic recipe, you can have some fun. I love playing with different flavors. It makes an old recipe feel new again. Here are a few of my favorite twists on this classic dish.

The Veggie Lover: Skip the bacon! Use a tablespoon of olive oil instead. Add a chopped carrot with the onion for a little sweetness.

The Spicy Kick: Add a big pinch of red pepper flakes with the beans. It gives the broth a wonderful, warm tingle. My nephew loves it this way.

The Summer Garden: Stir in a cup of fresh, chopped tomatoes right at the end. They get just warm enough and taste so bright. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

How to Serve Your Masterpiece

Now, a pot of beans needs good friends on the plate. I always serve mine over a big piece of cornbread. It’s perfect for soaking up the delicious broth. A simple side of sliced tomatoes is lovely, too. Or just a basic green salad with a sharp vinaigrette.

For a drink, a tall glass of sweet iced tea is the classic choice. It just belongs with Southern food. If you’re having a grown-up dinner, a crisp lager beer is very nice with the salty bacon. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Butter Beans Cozy

Let’s talk about keeping these beans for later. They store beautifully. Let the pot cool completely first.

Then spoon them into a container. They will keep in your fridge for about four days. You can also freeze them for months.

I remember my first big batch. I froze some in a glass jar. It cracked! Now I use plastic containers for freezing.

Reheating is simple. Warm them on the stove with a splash of broth. This keeps them from drying out.

Batch cooking saves busy weeknights. It means a warm meal is always ready for you. That matters on tired days.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Troubles

Sometimes cooking does not go as planned. Do not worry. Here are some easy fixes.

Problem one: your beans are too watery. Just let them simmer longer without a lid. The extra broth will cook off.

Problem two: the beans are still hard. They may need more time. Keep simmering until they are tender to your bite.

I once added too much salt. I dropped in a whole peeled potato. It soaked up the extra salt like a sponge!

Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence. You learn that mistakes are okay. Getting the flavor right makes the meal special for your family.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Butter Bean Questions Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, it is. Just check your chicken broth label to be sure.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. The flavor gets even better the next day.

Q: What if I don’t have bacon? A: A ham hock or two tablespoons of butter will work nicely.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Of course. Use your biggest pot for a crowd.

Q: Any optional add-ins? A: A dash of garlic powder or a pinch of red pepper flakes is lovely. *Fun fact: Butter beans are also called lima beans!*

Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. It is a simple, comforting dish.

I would be so delighted to see your creation. Sharing food connects us all.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! Use our handle so I can see your beautiful bowls.

Happy cooking!

—Anna Whitmore.